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NST Law Attorney

Back Injury from
Car Accident

Champions for the Injured
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NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich
NST Law Attorney
National Law Firm with Local Roots
Content Reviewed by: A. Parker Trotz
Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

Mr. Trotz was recognized from 2019-2023 as a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star. Mr. Trotz is also a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Memphis Bar Association, Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the Executive Committee. READ OUR EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

Car accidents can result in significant injuries. Some of the most common injuries include back fractures and slipped discs.

A car accident can easily lead to injuries, especially back injuries, depending on vehicle weight, speed, and road conditions. 

Sustaining a back injury from car accidents can result in the need for surgery, medical treatments, and ongoing therapy. In some cases, victims may experience paralysis, requiring the use of a wheelchair for life.

Table Of Contents

What causes back injuries in car accidents?

Several factors can cause back injuries in car accidents. The impact from the force of a crash may cause the backbone and muscles to contract into unnatural positions. Those contractions can lead to slipped discs, fractures of the vertebrae, and strained muscles. In the worst cases, trauma to the spinal cord can occur. 

Vehicles involved in rollover accidents often see significant injuries to the driver and passengers. The force from a rollover results in vehicle occupants being thrown up and down inside the car. While a seat belt can prevent injuries, those who aren’t wearing one might hit the windshield or roof. 

The force from impact can lead to serious back injuries.

Whiplash is another commonly experienced injury sustained in the neck or the back (or both). Whiplash occurs when the body snaps back and forth very quickly. Sometimes, whiplash can be mild and resolve on its own within a few weeks. 

More severe cases of whiplash may result in the need for ongoing medical treatment lasting months or years.

Photo of a man with back injuries after a car accident

How can I protect myself from a back injury in a car accident?

Car accidents aren’t always preventable. While you may be a great driver, regularly obeying the rules of the road, not everyone else is. Someone who has been drinking or using drugs can easily cause a car crash. Icy road conditions or simple inattention can also result in an unnecessary collision.

To protect yourself from back injuries, the best thing to do is wear your seat belt and follow the law when driving. Pay attention to other vehicles, and don’t be distracted by things like your phone or takeout food. Make sure your passengers don’t distract you either.

Are back injuries from car accidents serious?

Among other common injuries resulting from car accidents, back injuries can range from mild to severe or life-threatening. Mild injuries typically resolve within a few days or weeks with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe back injuries may require surgery, ongoing medical treatment, and physical or occupational therapy. 

The most common types of back injuries sustained in a car accident include:

Whiplash

Whiplash from a car accident occurs along the neck and back. It may strain the muscles and tendons of the spine and result in the need for ongoing treatment, especially if dismissed as a nonserious condition. If whiplash doesn’t improve in the days following a car accident, it is essential to speak with a medical professional.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc, or slipped disc, occurs when one of the rubbery discs that protect the spine slips out of place. The disc can rub against the spine’s nerves, causing severe pain that may make it difficult to walk or carry heavy items. 

People with herniated discs may experience a feeling of numbness in their legs or tingling in their arms and hands.

Fractures

Fractures occur in an accident when vertebrae either break or push down against one another. They are most common in accidents where occupants experience a rollover. Fractures may require surgery to resolve.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury is the most severe back injury. The impact of a car accident can result in a spinal cord being bruised, cut, or otherwise damaged. A spinal cord injury requires immediate medical attention and may cause permanent nerve damage or even paralysis.

Photo of a doctor reviewing the x-rays of a car accident victim with back injuries

What should I do if I injured my back in a car accident?

Following a car accident, it is best to seek medical attention. The rush of adrenaline from the accident can suppress pain from an injury for several hours following the crash. Seeking the services of a physician at an urgent care facility or hospital will quickly identify any injuries sustained in a collision.

If your physician finds that you have sustained a back injury, it is essential to determine what treatment you will need and how long it will take to recover from your injuries. Your treating physician may direct you to a back injury specialist for further care.

Back injuries can take a long time to recover from and may require surgery. A car accident attorney can help you obtain compensation for medical costs and time away from work.

Is it normal to experience a back injury if my car accident was minor?

Even minor car accidents have the potential to result in serious back injuries. It all depends on how your body reacts to the force of an accident. People with preexisting back conditions may find that a car accident inflames their symptoms.

People with no back problems can still suffer significant consequences from a minor car accident. It is important to see a medical doctor if you experience back pain in the days following a collision.

Doctor helping car accident victim with back injuries

What kind of compensation can I receive from a car accident lawsuit?

Your car accident settlement will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, who was at fault for the accident, and insurance coverage. State laws differ on responsibility. Some states allow you to seek damages for accidents even if you were partially at fault, while others do not.

Common types of damages obtained from car accident settlements include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost time from work
  • Loss of future income
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish

Your car accident attorney can help you determine the damages you may be eligible for in a personal injury claim.

What documentation do I need to file a personal injury claim?

If you decide to seek compensation to cover the costs of your medical treatment, keep all medical records and bills associated with your care. You should also record any days missed from work. If you cannot work due to a severe back injury, you may be able to claim damages for lost income. 

A police report can also come in handy for car accidents. Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report from your local precinct. Your car accident attorney will advise you of any other evidence or documentation that may help your case.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?

Each state has statute of limitation laws. In some states, you have up to five years to file a claim after a car crash, while in others, the time is much shorter. It is best to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Delays in contacting a lawyer can result in lost evidence and forgotten facts concerning the accident.

Contact The Car Accident Attorneys at NST Law

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The dedicated team at NST Law can help you obtain the medical compensation you need to recover from a back injury caused by a car accident. 

To get started with your claim, contact the champs today to schedule a consultation. We’re standing by to assist you in your car accident case.

NST Law Attorneys Corey Trotz and Alex Saharovich

Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.

OUR MEMPHIS OFFICES
MAIN MEMPHIS OFFICE

488 S. Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN 38117

Phone: 901-683-7000

Fax: 901-462-3350

WHITEHAVEN OFFICE

4466 Elvis Presley Blvd

Suite 143
Memphis, TN 38116

Phone: 901-300-2400
Fax: 901-462-3350

Testimonials
- Climas B.
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"They stayed with my case until everything was resolved. My situation was complicated and they ensured things were in check from start to finish."
- Vicki L.
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"From start to finish it was a good experience. They listened and handled my case with compassion and care. I highly recommend them."
- Tasha S.
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"I was involved in a auto accident with my mother and she suggested NST to handle the case for us. Everything was handled professionally and in a timely manner."
Client Successes
$3,000,000.00
Obtained in tractor-trailer accident case for a husband and wife that suffered traumatic injuries.
$2,200,000.00
Recovered in car accident case against construction company in which our client suffered a traumatic brain injury.
$1,500,000.00
Received for a woman injured in car accident while on the job, who sustained numerous fractures and underwent several surgeries.
Content Reviewer Box for A. Parker Trotz with his awards and credentials